UJ^CM I N U-TB.© 



OF THE 



t/ 



Joint University Commission, 

OF THE 

Annual Conferences of Nebraska, 

HELD AT 

Lincoln, Nebraska, December 15th, 16th and 17th, 1886, 

WITH THE 
PLAN OF AGREEMENT AS ADOPTED. 

AND THE 

CHART RR 

OF THE 

Nebraska Wesleyan University, 

LOCATED AT 



/ 



/i 



I 



EVENING NEWS COMPANY, STATE PRINTERS, 

1887. 



Secretary's F*refaGe. 



The Secretary of the board of Commissioners having 
been authorized to edit and publish the Minutes of these pro- 
ceedings, he has not felt at liberty to make this record a mere 
statement of the work done. The different interests and lo- 
calities represented; the various opinions held and views ad- 
vocated, made the end sought one of extreme delicacv and 
difficulty, and it is thought that such a record as is here given 
is but just to all concerned. Nothing of any significance oi* 
importance is omitted frc^m the record of the regular min- 
utes of each session. 

It has been the problem of more than one state to find a 
solution that would unify our educational interests. The 
multiplicity of schools and colleges has divided our strength, 
and the only relief in older states has been that which time 
has brought,by the survival of a few stronger institutions and 
the final extinction of weaker ones. The ideal University 
is barely reached by those corporations, richly endowed and 
of unlimited patronage, and if we would meet the reasonable 
demands of higher education, even to a limited degree, we 
must unify our interests and concentrate our efforts to that 
end. 

We trust that in this great new West the plan we have 
adopted thus early, though it require time to consummate 
these ends, will save us the expense and experience of fos- 
tering institutions to be killed off, and that those we have 
may be so assimilated into one University that they will con- 
tribute to the strength of the head and share in its honor 
usefulness and prosperity^ The founding of a University is 
an event of such magnitude, that should it prove worthy of 
the name those engaged in these proceedings will have no 
reason to regret that a minute record has been preserved, 
and they may commend the plan of their action to those lo- 
calities already too abundantly supplied with institutions of 
learning. 

C. F. CREIGHTON. 




-tfM-- 



MiNua:^R© 



OF THE 



Joint University Commission, 



OF THE 



Annual Conferences of Nebraska, 

HELD AT. 

Lincoln, Nebraska, December 15th, 16th and 17th, 1886. 

WITH THE 
PLAN OF AGREEMENT AS ADOPTED, 

' AND THE 
OF THE 

Nebraska Wesleyan University, 

LOCATED AT 
IaINCOIaN, NEBRASKA. 



EVENING NEWS COMPANY, STATE PRINTERS, 
1887. 






43, rt 
Amerfcarr Unlvt^r^i^^ 



Upi^e^sibLi QorrirpissionB^s. 

APPOINTMENT. 

The several annual conferences of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church in Nebraska, viz : the North Nebraska, 
Nebraska, and West Nebraska, at their sessions held in 
the month of September, 1886, appointed a joint com- 
mission of ministers and laymen for the purpose of 
unifying our educational interests in this State, and 
the action of each body is incorporated in the follow- 
ing resolutions. 

THE NORTH NEBRASKA CONFERENCE, 

Resolved^ That, while there is so much reason for rejoicing because 
of zeai for our educational interests, we also desire to guard against the 
disaster sure to come from undue multiplication, within narrow terri- 
torial limits, of institutions of learning of the same grade ; and, in 
order to secure the unification of our educational work in the State of 
Nebraska, therefore we, as a conference, request our presiding Bishop 
to appoint a committee of five, to act with a committee of the same 
number from each of the other Nebraska Conferences, together with 
Bishops C. H. Fowler, Thos. Bowman. H. W. Warren and C D. i'oss, 
as a joint commission, to take such action towards this unification as 
they may deem proper. And we also request Bishop Fowler, as Chair- 
man of said committee, to invite this suggested action on the part of 
these Conferences and the co-operation of these afore-mentioned 
Bishops. 

Resolved^ That the Board of Trustees of Nebraska Central College 
be requested to appoint three of their number to represent them im the 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE 



commission to consider the unification of our educational Tvork in the 
State of Nebraska. 

THE WEST NEBRASKA CONFERENCE. 

Feeling the necessity of unity in our educational enterprises in the 
State of Nebraska, in order to secure the greatest efficiency, and learn- 
ing with pleasure, that action seeking this end was taken by the North 
Nebraska Conference at its recent session, Therefore 

Resolved^ That we create a commission of five members to be ap- 
pointed by the Bishop, to meet with similar representatives from the 
North Nebraska and Nebraska Conferences and with our presiding 
Bishop and Bishops Bowman, Warren and Foss, for the purpose of 
unifying our educational enterprises. 

Hesolved, That we mvite the Trustees of Mallalieu Uniyersity to 
select and send three delegates to this commission. 

THE NEBRASKA CONFERENCE. 

Whereas, The North and the West Nebraska Conferences have 
each appointed a Commission for the unification of all our educational 
interests, and have requested the co-operation of this Conference. 
Therefore, 

Resolved^ First, That we heartily concur in the wish that all our 
' educational interests may be so harmonized and adjusted that we shall 
be able to build up such an institution of learning as shall be patronized 
by the whole of Nebraska Methodism. 

Resolved^ Second, That we request the presiding Bishop to appoint 
five brethren— three ministers and two laymen — to act jointly with those 
already appointed in the inauguration and location of a University — 
said University, in addition to whatever departments may be founded 
to incorporate all our existing institutions of learning as colleges, if 
deemed practicable. 

Resolved. Third, That we endorse the appointments of Bishops 
Fowler, Bowman, Foss and Warren, as members of this Joint Commis- 
sion; and though the absence of Bishop Ninde forbids his immediate 
co-operation on said Commission, we believe that after his temporary 
absence he may be of material benefit to this work, and we commend 
his appointment as a member of said Commission. 

Resolved^ Fourth, That the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal 
College at York be requested to appoint three persons who shall repre- 
sent thaicQXPoration and be members of said Joint University Com- 
mission, fi 

^In accordance with these provisions the persons 



UNIVEESITY COMMIS:^ION. 



appointed, in addition to the Bishops named, were as 
follows : 

CONFERENCES. 

Eepresenting the North Nebraska Conference: — 
Eev. J. W. Shank, Eev. J. W. Phelps, Eev. A. Hod- 
getts, L. H. Eogers, A. J. Anderson. 

Eepresenting the West Nebraska Conference :— 
Eev. T. B. Lemon, D. D., Eev. L. Stevens, Eev. W. C. 
Wilson, Eev. G. W. Martin, Eev, P. C. Johnson. 

Eepresenting the Nebraska Conference : — Eev. W. 
G. Miller, D. D., Eev. C. F. Creighton, D. D., Eev. H. 
T. Davis, Hon. J. W. Small, Hon. C. C. White. 

COLLEGES. 

Eepresenting the '^Nebraska Central College :" — 
Eev. J. B. Maxfield, D. D., Eev. David Marquette, 
Hon. N . E. Persinger. 

Eepresenting ''Mallalieu University:" — Eev. L. 
H. Eddleblute, Eev. Jas. Leonard, Eev. Allen Bartley. 

Eepresenting the '^Methodist Episcopal College of 
Nebraska:'— Eev. E. N. McKaig, F. K. Atkins, F. L. 
Mayhew. 

By the appointment of Bishop C. H. Fowler the 
Joint Commission met in the city of Lincoln in St. 
Paul church, Wednesday Dec. 15th, 1886, at 3 p. m. 
The meeting was called to order by Bishop Thomas 
Bowman, who, upon the motion of Bishop H. W. 
Y arren was made chairman of the commission. C. 
F. Creighton was chosen secretary with the privilege 
of selecting an assistant ; F. K. Atkins was chosen. 

Dr. T. B. Lemon made the opening prayer. All the 
members of the commission answered to the call of the 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE 



roll, except that Bishops Fowler and Foss were absent. 
A committee having been appointed at an informal 
meeting held prior to this, for the purpose of arrang- 
ing a plan of agreement, the Chair called for the re- 
port. Upon the reading of the same, Dr. Lemon moved 
that the report be taken up item by item. Adopted. 

Item 1. That Trustees to be hereafter appointed, secure a ch^arter 
for a Uniyersity, to include as contributory or allied institutions the 
schools and colleges, at present or hereafter coming under the control 
of the Methodist Episcopal church in Nebraska. 

Under this item, the question arose as to the 
prerogatives of this commision, and whether authority 
was vested in this body to found a University. 

Eev. H. T. Davis moved that the consideration of 
item first of the report be postponed. Thig motion 
was laid on the table. Eev. H. T. Davis offered the 
following : 

Resolved. That it is the sense of this Joint Commis- 
sion that we are here with full power to act on any 
question touching the unification of the educational 
interests of the State. 

After discussion it was moved by Eev. David 
Marquette that the resolution be laid on the table 
until the arrival of Bishop Fowler, who presided at 
the three Conferences appointing the commission. The 
motion prevailed. 

On motion of Bishop Warren, item first was 
adopted by a rising vote. Affirmative 14. Negative 9. 

On motion of Bishop Warren the report was re- 
ferred back to the committee for re-consideration and 
to be printed. Various motions, to add to the com- 
mittee; etc., which did not prevail, are not recorded. 

The pastor of St.Paul church announced that the 
ladies of the W. F. M. S. had prepared tea in the din- 



UNIVERSITY COMMISSION. 



ing room of the church, and extended an invitation to 
members of the Commission. 

The committee were excused to pursue their work. 
Commission adjourned to meet at 7 :30 p.m. 



EVENING SESSION. 

Commission met at 7 ;30 p.m. Bishop Warren 
presiding. Minutes of the previous session read, cor- 
rected and approved, followed by singing "All Hail the 
Power of Jesus Name," and prayer. 

On motion of Eev. David Marquette a recess was 
taken until the committee were ready to make their 
report. 

After recess, Bishop Bowman presiding, called the 
meeting to order. While waiting the report of the 
committee, Bishops Bowman and Warren each ad- 
dressed the Commission on the work in hand, and 
with reference to our educational interests in general. 
The printed report was furnished each member and 
read by the secretary, and the Chair declared the items 
in the report to be open for discussion. 

Bishop Warren was unable to remain longer, 
and retired from the Commission. 

Dr. Lemon requested to be excused from the 
evening session. The request was granted. Meeting 
adjourned to 8 : 30 the morning following. 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE 



MOENING SESSION OF DEC. 16, 1886. 

Convened at 8 :30, pursuant to adjournment. 
Bishop Bowman presiding. After prayer by Dr. W. 
G. Miller, Hon. C. C. White was elected Secretary, 
pro tern, 

Eev. L. Stevens moved that item second of the 
printed report be adopted. On motion of C. F. Creigh- 
ton the Chair appointed a committee to prepare a 
suitable substitute therefore. Chair appointed Eev. 
P. C. Johnson and C. F. Creighton. Committee were 
excused, and article three was taken up. 

Dr. Miller moved its adoption as printed. 

It was moved to amend item three by striking out 
the words, ^'consisting of four ministers and three 
laymen.'' Amendment adopted, and item three as 
amended was adopted, viz : 

The first board of Uniyersity Trustees shall consist of seven trustees 
from within the boundaries of each conference in Nebraska to be ap- 
pointed by this Commission, and approved by the several conferenceg 
to which they belong, and that hereafter the trustees shall consist of 
seven persons from each and every 3onference, elected in four annual 
classes by their respective conferences. The persons thus elected by 
the several conferences shall constitute the local boards of the leveral 
colleges within the bounds of their respective conferences. 

These several local boards of trustees to hold and control the 
property of each college as above provided, and each local board may 
nominate so many additional members as each separate conference may 
determine to elect, who, in addition to said local board, shall perform 
the duties of said local trustees. 

The committee appointed to revise item second, 
proposed the following as a substitute, which was 
adopted, viz : 

Second— That all schools or colleges, which are now or may here- 
after become the property of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Ne- 
braska shall be under the control of the University trustees, but all the 



UNIVERSITY COMMISSION. 



property, real, personal, or mixed, shall be held and controlled by their 
own local boards of trustees. 

On motion a committee consisting of W. G. Mil- 
ler, P. C. Johnson and David Marquette, was appoint- 
ed to set forth and define the powers and duties of 
University and local boards of trustees. 

Committee excused; recess taken. Meeting 
again called and report of committee presented and 
adopted, viz : * 

Fourth— Duties of the University and College trustees. 

(a) The University trustees to have and hold all property be- 
lone:ing to the University proper, and to manage the affairs of the same. 

(b) To determine the courses of study, text books to be used, 
systems of grading, and to do all such other work as appertains to the 
general educational interests of the allied colleges. Providing that 
each college elect its own faculty and arransje for its own internal disci- 
pline. 

All other powers remain with the local board of trustees as defined 
by their charters and by-laws. 

On motion of C. F. Creighton, item fifth was 
adopted and changed to read as follows. 

Fifth— Any school or college existant, or that may hereafter come 
under the charter of the University, shall be entitled to retain its college 
name, to acquire property to be held for the benefit of such college, to 
teach regular preparatory and collegiate studies, as far as the end of 
the Sophomore year otthe University course, and to confer academic and 
normal degrees. Tne colleges of the University shall have the same 
courses of study, use the same text books, and students of one college 
shall be entitled to enter the same grade and rank in any college of the 
University, on certificate of standing, without examination. 

Meeting adjourned to 1 :30 p.m. 



AFTERNOON SESSION. 

Convened at 1 :30 p.m.. Bishop Bowman presiding. 
Prayer offered by Eev. A. Hodgetts, followed by call of 
the roll. 

Dr. Miller moved that we make three o'clock the 



10 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 

special order of the day to receive propositions from 
competing points for the location of the University. 
Motion discussed and afterward withdrawn. 

The Secretary announced the following telegram 
from Bishop Fowler: "Chicago, 111., Dec. 16, 1886. — 
Two days lost by two derailings. Baggage just in 
from wreck. Cannot reach you. Very sorry." 

, On motion of Eev. G. W. Martin, recess was taken 
to enable representatives of the conferences to prepare 
nominations for their respective boards of trustees. 

Dr. Lemon was granted leave to retire from the 
Commission on the ground of physical disability. 

On motion the plan of agreement as adopted item 
by item was adopted as a whole. 

Moved that we proceed to the election of the Uni- 
versity board of trustees. Carried. 

On motion the conferences were called and trustees 
nominated and elected as follows : 

For the North Nebraska Conference : — J. B. Max- 
field, D. Marquette, N. E. Persinger, A. J. Anderson, 
A. Hodgetts, J. W. Phelps, L. H. Eogers. 

For the Nebraska Conference: — F. L. Mayhew, 
C. C. White, J, W. Small, C, A. Atkinson, J. J. Imhoft* , 
W. G. Miller, C. F. Creighton. 

For the West Nebraska Confer ence. — T. B. Lemon 
P. C. Johnson, W. C. Wilson, T. C. Webster, Allen 
Bartley, Geo. W. Martin, L. Stevens. 

A motion that it require a two-thirds vote of the 
Commission to secure the location of the University, 
and another that it require a majority of all the Com- 
mission, were lost. 



c 



UNIVERSITY COMMISSION. 11 

Moved by Dr. Maxfield that the vote be cast by 
delegations. 

W. C. Wilson moved as a substitute, that we vote 
for the different places competing by ballot. The 
substitute prevailed. 

The Chair called for representations from the Ne- 
braska Conference. 

President E. N. McKaig responded, presenting the 
claims of york, the seat of the ''Methodist Episcopal 
College of Nebraska." Eev. E. M. Battis, Hon. J. W. 
Barnes and Eev. Duke Slavens, followed with addres- 
ses representing various phases of the York proposi- 
tion. 

The York proposition was as follows : 

40 acres campus I -- — - — 

Endowment notes, Face 26,586.25 

Interest for 1886 1,967.30 

Notes and Subscriptions (less liabilities) 15,943.75 

1040 acres of land, valued at 6,040.00 

Total endowment $50,537.30 

Present College Buildings $17,800.00 

Building Fund Notes 2,675.00 

Cabinet 1,000.00 

Furniture 400.00 

Total Buildings and Building Fund $ 21,875.00 
472 residence lots in York '. $118,000.00 

^ Total net valuation above campus . . , $190,412.30 

Meeting of Commission adjourned till 7 o'clock 
p.m. 



12 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 

EVENING SESSION. 

Meeting called to order at 8 :30 p.m.^ by Bishop 
Bowman, followed by song, and prayer by Eev. P. C. 
Johnson. Further propositions from the Nebraska 
Conference called. C. F. Creighton responded for 
the city of Lincoln. Two propositions were made 
giving the Commission choice of either. 

One proposition"^ — Subscriptions and notes . . . $100,000 
Campus, 40 acres, valued. . . 40,000 

"'t Total .$140,000 

Another} — City subscriptions $ 60,000 

Campus 40 acres 40,000 

Lots valued at , 3,500 

800 lots contiguous to campus@250 200,000 

Total $ 293,500 

Bishop Bowman announced that engagements re- 
quired him to leave the city, and Dr. W. G. Miller was 
elected Chairman. 

On motion of ReVc D. Marquette, a vote of thanks 
was tendered Bishop Bowman, who responded briefly 
and retired from the Commission. 

The North Nebraska Conference was then called. 

Hon, N . E. Persinger represented the claims of 
the "Nebraska Central College,'* located at Central 
City and presented a proposition. Eev. Hilton, pastor 
of the Methodist Episcopal church at Central City, 
Dr. Maxfield, and Eev. D. Marquette each followed in 
turn. — 

t See last page. 



UNIVERSITY COMMISSION. 13 

The Central City proposition was as follows : 

Buildings and Furnishings $ 20,000 

100 acres canipus@$200 per acre 20.000 

1000 lots @ $100 per lot 100,000 

Subscriptions 20,000 

Scholarships 10,000 

Total... $170,000 

Eev. J. W. Phelps and Eev. T. B. House represent- 
ed the City of Omaha. Efforts in that city had 
been delayed to a late day and if further time were 
allowed by deferring the location, it was urged that 
the offers of that city would be greatly augmented. 

The Omaha proposition was : 

Subscriptions, cash, etc $130,000 

Campus 40 acres 50,000 

Total $180,000 

The West Nebraska Conference was called , and 
introduced by Eev. P. C. Johnson followed by Eev. 
Allen Bartley, in behalf of "Mallalieu University," 
located in the town of Bartley, Neb. The full and 
absolute title to 2000 acres of land in which was in- 
cluded the town site of Bartley was proffered ; provid- 
ed that the sum of thirty thousand dollars be paid 
to said Allen Bartley from the sale oi lots in said 
town. 

Eev. E. N . McKaig then reviewed the different 
propositions made, and moved that we proceed to 
ballot for the location. 

Eev. J. W. Shank moved that the ballot be an in- 
formal one. 



14 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 



The Chair ruled that an informal ballot would be 
out of order. 

The motion of Eev. McKaig prevailed. 

The question arose as to whether the delegates 
from Mallalieu University were entitled to vote since 
it was inferred from remarks made that said repre- 
sentatives declined to consider that institution as 
coming under the Plan of Agreement. This impress- 
ion was corrected, however, by Eev. P. C. Johnson 
and others, and the Chair ruled that said representa- 
tives were entitled to vote. 

Tellers were appointed, and ballot taken resulting 
as follows, viz : 

Lincoln 11. 
Tork....8. 
Bartley..4. 

Neither location having received a majority of 
votes cast, the Chair declared another ballot. 

SECOND BALLOT. 

Lincoln 14. 

York 9. 

Lincoln having received a majority of the votes 
cast, the Chair declared the result in favor of that 
city. 

yL President McKaig moved that the vote be made 

unanimous. Motion carried unanimously by a rising 
vote. 

On motion the Lincoln propositions were referred 
to the University Board of Trustees for choice and ac- 
ceptance as they should elect. 

Commission adjourned to meet at 8:30 a.m. the 
day following. 



UNIVEESITY COMMISSION 15 

MOENING SESSION, DEC. 17. 

The Commission met at 8:30 a.m., Dr. W. G. 
Miller in the Chair. Eev. J. W. Shank was elected 
Secretary jjro tern. 

On motion of Eev. H. T. Davis, the trustees were 
authorized to procure a charter for the University. 

* After a recess, taken to allow tne Board of Trust- 
ees to organize, Eev. J. W. Shank moved that the ex- 
isting boards of trustees of the schools and colleges 
remain in full power until the close of this conference 
year. Motion carried. 

On motion Art. Fifth of the plan of agreement 
was reconsidered. 

Moved by L. H. Eddlebute to strike out the words 
"and to confer academic and normal degrees/' from 
Art. Fifth. 

C. F. Creighton gave notice for Messrs. Pitcher & 
Baldwin that if changes contemplated were made in 
Plan of Agreement, their offer was withdrawn, and 
moved an amendment to Art. 5, which was adopted 
as follows; 

AmeDdment to Art. Fifth. 

The clause in Art. 5 of the above which reads, "as far as the end of 
the sophomore year, etc." shall be understood to be so interpreted that 
any college of this university may be graded in its classical curriculum 
in every detail, so that its classical senior year of graduation shall not 
be graded higher than the end of the sophomore year of the classical 
course of the university. 

Eev. D. Marquette moved an addition, which was 
adopted as follows : 

The board of trustees shall make the grade of the university equal 
to that of any Methodist university in the United States. 

Eev. J. W. Shank moved that the name of the 
University be "Nebraska Wesleyan University." 
Adopted unanimously. 



16 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 

On motion, the Secretary was requested to edit 
and publish the minutes of the Commission in pam- 
phlet form. 

The Commission then adjourned sine die. 

C. F. Creighton, Secretary. 
F. K. Atkins, Assistant Sec. 



PLAN OF AGEEEMENT. 

FOR THE UNTFIOATION OF OUR COLLEGES IN A UNIVERSITY 
IN NEBRASKA. 



First — That Trustees, to be hereafter appointed, 
secure a charter for a University to include as con-= 
tributory or allied institutions the schools and colleges 
at present or hereafter coming under the control of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church in Nebraska. 

Second— That all schools or colleges, which are 
now or may hereafter become the property of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church in Nebraska shall be 
under the control of the University trustees, but all 
the property, real, personal, or mixed, shall be held 
and controlled by their own local boards of trustees. 

Third — The first board of University trustees shall 
consist of seven trustees, from within the boundaries 
of each conference in Nebraska to be appointed by 
this commission, and approved by the several confer- 
ences to which they belong, and fliat hereafter the 
trustees shall consist of seven persons from each and 
every conference, elected in four annual classes by 
their respective conferences. The persons thus elected 
by the several conferences shall constitute the local 
boards of the several colleges within the bounds of 

I their respective conferences. 
These several local boards of trustees to hdld and 
I 



18 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 



control the property of each college as above provided, 
and each local board may nominate so mauy addit- 
ional members as each separate conference may 
determine to elect, who, in addition .to said local board, 
shall perform the duties of said local trustees. 

Fourth — Duties of the University and College 
trustees. 

(a) The University trustees to have and hold all 
property belonging to the University proper, and to 
manage the affairs of the same. 

(b) To determine the course of study, text books 
to be used, systems of grading, and to do all such 
other work as appertains to the general educational 
interests of the allied Colleges. Providing that each 
College elect its own faculty and arrange for its own 
internal discipline. 

All other powers remain with the local boards of 
trustees as defined by their charters and by-laws. 

Fifth— Any school or college existant, or that 
may come under the charter of the University, shall 
be entitled to retain its college nam§, to acquire prop- 
erty to be held for the benefit of such college, to teach 
regular preparatory and collegiate studies, as far as 
the end of sophomore year of the University course, 
and to confer academic and normal degrees. The 
Colleges of the University shall have the same courses 
of study, use the same text books, and students of one 
college shall be entitled to enter the same grade and 
rank in any College of the University, on certificate 
of standing, without examination. 

Amendment to Art. Fifth. 

The clause in Art. 5 of the above which reads. 



UNIVERSITY COMMISSION . 1 9 

'*as far as the end of the sophomore year, etc." shall 
be understood to be so interpreted that any College of 
this University may be graded in its classical curricu- 
lum in every detail, so that its classical senior year of 
graduation shall not be graded higher than the end of 
the sophomore year of the classical course of the 
University. 

The following addition was adopted : 
The board of trustees shall make the grade of the 
University equal to that of any Methodist University 
in the United States. 



20 PBOCEEDINGS OF THE 



GHARTRR 

OF TH£ 



Nebraska Wesley an University , 



LOCATED AT 

lAinooln, Nebraska. 



ABT, X— WHi KBAS, Th© three annual conferences of the Metho= 
dist Episcopal Church in Nebraska at their annual sessions in SepteDOh 
ber, 18^6, duly appointed members of a Commission together with 
members duly appointed by the Trustees of the colleges at York, 
Central City and Hartley, respectively, at the request of said conferences; 
to meet is tne city of Lincoln, Nebraska, for the purpose of locating a 
University for said church and unifying the educational interests of 
said church in Nebraska, and 

Whereas, Said Commission duly met in said city on December 
15th, 1886, and duly located such University at said city of Lincoln and 
adopted a plan of agreement for the unification of said educational 
interests, and 

Whereas, At said meeting said Commission duly designated, 
named and appointed the name and style of said institution as the 



XJNI7EESITY COMMISSION. 21 

JTie Nebraska Wesleyan University^ and duly designated and appointed 
the following named persons to constitute the Board of Trustees of said 
University, to-wit:John B. Maxfield, David Marquette, N. R. Persinger, 
A. J. Anderson, J. W. Phelps, Alfred Hodgetts, L. H. Rogers, F. L. 
Mayhew, J. J. Imhoff, C. C. White, W. G. Miller, C. F. Creighton, /. 
W. Small, C. A. Atkinson, Thomas B. Lemon, Allen Bartley, P. C. 
Johnson, Geo. W. Martin, W. C. Wilson, L. Stevens, ana T, C. Web» 
ster, and the undersigned desire to become a body corf orate under the 
laws of the State of Nebraska for educational purposes, and such insti- 
tution to be of the rank and grade of a University, and to be known 
and styled *'The Nebraska Wesleyan University," to remain and have 
perpetual succession, with power to sue and be sued, plead and be im^ 
pleaded; to acquire, hold and convey property, real, personal and mixed 
In all lawful ways; to have and use a common seal and to alter the same 
at pleasure; to make and alter from time to time such By-laws, rules 
aad regulations as they may deem necessary for the government of said 
Institution, its officers and employees, Provided, the same are not In^ 
consistent with the laws of Nebraska^ and to confer on such persons as 
may be considered worthy, such honorary, classical, literary and scien- 
tific and other degrees as are usually conferred by similar institutions 
of learning, and to establish such schools and colleges as are or naay 
hereafter come under this charter into departments of said University j 
and to have the following power?, privileges and rights, and \>q subject 
to the following restrictions, and be controlled in the election ot trustees 
and the management of said University and the school or college depart- 
ments thereof as hereinafter folly set out. 

ART. n.— The first Board of Trustees of said University, shal 
consist of the persons above named, and hereafter the said Board shaU 
consist of feeven persons within the boundaries of each and every annual 
Conference in Nebraska, and the members of said Board of Trustees^ 
and their successors, shall be elected in four annual classes by the aa- 
rual conferences respectively of said church, and shall hold their osficea 
for the term of four years. 

Provided yThdX the members thus elected at the next annual «oa- 
f erences of said church, shall hold their terms as follows : 

Two of said members for one year ; two of said members for two 
years; two of said members for three years, and one of said members 
for four yeais, and which Board shall have perpetual succession and 
shall hold tbe property of baid institution for and, on bebalf of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church in Nebraska, and to be devoted to the 
purposes of education and not as a stock for the individual benefit of 
themselves or any contributor to the fiends or endowment of said insti- 
tution. 

ART. ni.— In ease any conference holding authority to elect trust- 



22 PBOCEEDINGS OF THE 



ees, shall hereafter be divided into two or more aonual conferences, 
they shall each have authority to elect seven trustees as herein provid- 
ed, and said Board of Trustees shall be Increased in numbers accord- 
ingly, and the Board of Trustees as herein constituted shall have au- 
thority to elect, as additional members of said Board of Trustees any 
number of the Bishops of the said church not exceeding three, who 
when so elected shall have all the privile2:es and|ris:hts of members of 
said Board and whose term of office shall be determined by the said 
Board, provided such terhi shall at no time exceed|f our years ; and pro- 
vided further that in case of any vacancy in said Board the said vacancy 
may be filled by the Board of Trustees until the ensuing session of the 
annual conference in which the vacancy occurs. 

ART. IV.— The said annual conferences of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church, under whose control and patronage said University is plac- 
ed, shall each also have the right to appoint annually two suitable per- 
sons, members of their own body, visitors to said University, who shall 
attend the examination of students and be entitled to participate in 
the deliberations of the Board of Trustees and enjoy all the privileges 
of members of said Board except the right to vote. 

ART. v.— The said University shall be and remain located in, or 
near Lincoln, Lancaster county, Nebraska ; but the several schools and 
colleges of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Nebraska, that may 
hereafter come under this charter as departments of said University, 
may become such departments by action and consent of said Board of 
Trustees of said University. 

The colleges that now are, and any other school or college that 
may hereafter come under this charter are constituted departments of 
said University and are and shall be under the control of the Board of 
Trustees of said University and the said Board of Trustees of said Uni- 
versity shall determine the courses of study, text books to be used, 
systems of grading and do all such other work as appertains to the gen- 
eral educational interests of the said schools and collegjes ; provided 
that the persons elected as University Trustees by the several confer- 
ences, shall constitute the local Boards of Trustees of the said schools 
and colleges within the boundaries of their respective conferences ; and 
all the property, real, personal or mixed of said schools or colleges shall 
be held by said local boards of trustees; provided further that the lo- 
cal board of trustees of each school or college may elect its own faculty 
and arrange for its own internal discipline. And each local board may 
nominate as many additional members thereof as each separate xjon- 
ference shall determine to elect, who, in connection with said local 
board as heretofore provided for, shall perform the duties of said local 
board of trustees, provided that the entire number of each local board 



UNIVERSITY COMMISSION 28 



shall not exceed the number provided for in the charters of said schools 
or colleges respectively, 

ART. VI. — The colleges that now are, and any school or college 
that may hereafter come under this chartf^r, shall be entitled to retain 
their college natnes, to acquire property to be held for the benefit of 
such school or college, to teach regular pieparitory and coUegia^'e 
studies as far as the end of the sophomore year of the University couise 
and to confer academic and normal degrees, and the schools and col- 
leges of the University shall have the Fame courses or study, use the 
same text books, and students of one college shall be entitletl to enter 
the same grade and rank in any college of the University, on certificate 
of standing, without examination. 

ART. VII, — The said University Trustees, and their successors, 
shall be competent in law or equity, to take to themselves, in their 
said corporate name, real, personal or mixed estate, by gift, grant, 
bargain and sale conveyance, will, devise or bequest, by any person or 
persons, whomsoever, and the same estate, whether real, personal or 
mixed, to grant, bargain, sell, convey, let, place out at interest, or 
otherwise dispose of the same for the use of said University, in such 
manner as to them shall seem most beneficial for said University. The 
said corporation shall faithfully apply all the funds collected, or the 
proceeds of the property belonging to said University, aecording to 
their best judgment, in erectmg suitable buildings, supporting neces- 
sary officers, instructors and servants, and procuring books, maps, 
charts, globes and philosophical, chemical and other apparatus and 
appliances necessary to the success of the institution, and do all other 
acts usually performed by similar institutions, that may be deemed 
necessary or useful to the success of said iostitution, and to have and 
to hold all the property of every kind belonging to said University, and 
to manage the affairs of the same under the restrictions herein imposed 
Provided^ that in case any donation, devise, bequest, or grant, shall 
be made for particular purposes accordant with the designs of the 
University and the corporation shall accept the same, every such dona- 
tion, devise, bequest or grant shall be applied in conformity with the 
express conditions of the donors, devisors or srrantors 

ART. Vlli.— The Board of University Trustees shall annually 
elect from their number a president, vice-president, secretary and 
assistant secretary, ami treasurer of said board, and the treasurer shall 
be a resident of Lincoln, Nebraska, which officers shall hold their 
offices respectively until their successors are duly elected and have ac- 
cepted ; and the treasurer and any other officers that may be so required 
by said board, shall, before entering upon the duties of their offices, 
give bond to said corporation, in such sum as said board shall fix, con- 
ditional for the faithful and honest discharge of their duties and the 



24 PEOCEEDINGS OF THE 

legal payment ei all monies comiDs: into their hands, and said bonds 
shall be approved by said board of trustees. All said officers of said 
board, and the President or Chancellor of theUniverslty, professors, 
tutore and all employees of the University, i^haU be elected annually by 
said board at its annual meetings to be held at such time as said board 
shall determine, and the president or chancellor of the University shall 
be, ex-offlcio a member of the said board of trustees and said board 
shall have power to displace or remove any of said officers or emplojces 
as the interests of the University may require, and fill VEcancles as 
heretofore provided, and any vacancies in the faculty, whether ef 
president or chancellor, or professors or other emj loyees, whether 
caused oy resignation, inability, or from any other c^use, shall be filled 
in the Interim by said board, at a special or called meeting of said 
board when a quorum of nine members shall be present ; and said board 
shall fix the salaries of all of said officers and employees and have the 
full control of all expenses of said institution and adopt by-laws, rules 
and regulations for the governmact of said University, not Inconsistent 
^iih the provisions herein or the laws of Nebraska. 

ART. IX.— The said cotporation shall have power to establish de- 
partments for the study of any and all the learned and liberal r^rofes^ 
sions in the same, and to establish any and all such departments as 
usually belong to the most learned institutions either in eursu or post- 
graduate. 

ART. X.— Nine members shall constitute a quorum for the trans- 
action of any business of the board, except the election of President or 
Chancellor, Professor, or the establishm- Lt of chairs in said institution 
and the enactmest of by-laws, rules and reeulations for its government, 
for which the presence of a majority of the board, resident in Nebraska 
shall be necessary, subject to the modification in Article eight as to va- 
cancies; provided that the said board of trustees shall have authority 
to change the number of members constituting a quorum, but such 
quorum shall never be less than three ; and the secretary or assistant 
secretary of the Board of Trustees of said University shall give due no- 
tice to every member of said board, of the time and place of aU meetings 
of the board, and in giying notice of special or called meetings the no- 
tice shall spe«fy the objects and purposes of such specialpr called meet- 
ing and no other business shall be transacted except that eoutalned in 
tbei call. 

AET. Xli— The highest amount of indebtedness to which at any 
time this corporation shall subject itself, shall not be maee than 
tweaty^ five thousand dollars. 

ART. XIX.^This Charter or any article thereof may be amendM, 
alter«rd or eha&g^ed by a twothirda Vote of all the members of the l90»rti 



UNTVERSITY COMMISSION 25 



oo-niar meeting one month's notice of such proposed amend- 

Te mmS^^^^ .olrd, provided such amendment, alteration or 

change is not inconsistent with the laws of the state. 

John B. Maxfield, 
A. J. Anderson, 
Thomas B. Lemon. 
Alfred Hodgetts, 
L. H. Rogers, 
C. C. White, 
David Marquette, 
N- R. Per singer. 
W, C. Wilson, 
J, W. Phelps, 
J. J. Imhoff, 
W. G. Miller, 
C. F. Creighton, 
J. W. Small, 
C. A. Atkinson, 
Allen Bartley, 
Geo. W. Martin, 
F. L. Mayhew. 
P. C. Johnson. 
L. Stevens. 
T. C. Webster. 



*This proposition was afterward increased Another was made to the commutee 
on locatioawh.ch was not presented to the Commission 

tThis propositi on was made by Messrs. Pitcher & Baldwin, et al, and the 
finally accepted 



From a Prairie to a Capital of 40,000 in nineteen years. 
Churches, Schools and Institutions equal to other advances. 



Ijffi^^mO OTSM. ^0 ^"XGWTIO^ 




EDUCHTIDNAL SYSTEM UNIFIED. 



Campus 40 acres,and an endowment of 800 lots adjoming 
First Sing to be commenced at once. The site is as neai 
p rfect as an^elevation that gradually ascends for a mde a.d 
a half can be. The city is growing with a ^^^P^d^ that J 
suresthe value of the property, and the friends of Ctastm^ 
education will make it, with its allied colleges, all that the 
name implies. 

^.Quic^t Transit on 0\.Yierl.mes v- 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

028 344' 825 3 




fe)|[iceps oT 11) G J^00:ra ©t ^rpusfees, 

President, W. G. Miller, D. D., Utica, Nebraska. 
Vice Pres., J. B. Maxfield, D. D., Central City, Neb. 
Secretary, C. A. Atkinson, Lincoln, Nebraska. 
Ass't Sec, Eev. P. C. Johnson, Indianola, Nebraska. 
Treasurer, J. J. Imhoff, Lincoln, Nebraska 



^ \ \ \ A ; X \->^^-^y^^^^^^^^^^^^^^k^^^^^ 



